Date
7-21-2022
Department
Rawlings School of Divinity
Degree
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)
Chair
Brent Kelly
Primary Subject Area
Religion, General
Keywords
Chaplain, Virtual Visit, Telechaplaincy, Spiritual Care
Disciplines
Religion
Recommended Citation
Fontenot, Kory D., "Integrating Technology, Telehealth, and Videoconferencing as Tools for Providing Modern Approaches to Spiritual Care in the Clinical Setting as a Hospital Chaplain" (2022). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 3728.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/3728
Abstract
The problem is that some hospital chaplains lack the proper preparation and strategies for integrating technology to provide spiritual care to patients. The purpose of this DMIN. research project is to develop strategies to integrate technology in pastoral care in the hospital that increases patient care. The strategies designed are based on existing research, resources, and successful integration models. The development process will consider the spiritual, financial, medical, and personal implications of the increased use of technology in provided healthcare consistent with, or exceeding, current expectations and quality standards. The methods will involve pre-scheduled spiritual care follow-up visit with patients via telephone and video conferencing platforms. Spiritual care in the healthcare field could benefit from the results of this study by identifying weaknesses, strengths, and areas for growth and evolution within their system. The recipients of those services could benefit from deeper explorations and assessment of spiritual care needs more patient-specific care plans, as well as extended periods of patient contact to execute those care plans. Technology is already readily available. Having access to technology and the internet outside of the hospital setting has never been more prevalent. The next step is utilizing existing technology infrastructure on both the patient and healthcare provider’s sides to enhance patient care in ways existing’s systems never have. If research-based strategies utilizing technology are integrated into pastoral care, then the effectiveness and quality of care provided by chaplains at Methodist Hospital will increase.
